30.7.15

Summer Makeup Base

During the summer months, I don't necessarily ease up on the amount of makeup products I use; rather I reach for products that leave a more natural and fresh finish to the skin. And over the last month, I’ve found myself using five products, all of which are easy to wear, effortless to apply and help to create the perfect summer makeup base...

Post base I like to apply a little MAC Strobe Cream, which for those of you who don’t know is a moisturiser fully loaded with vitamins and iridescent particles. Now, I may be a little late to the party on this one, but this stuff is the ultimate quick fix. I like to apply a small amount all over my face, avoiding my nose and my somewhat flat, dull complexion is instantly illuminated.

I very rarely wear foundation during the summer (I don't fancy melting makeup). So instead I opt for something with a lightweight coverage like the bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream. Not only does this base allow my skin to breathe, it also has a SPF of 30, which is a big bonus. This gel cream evens out my skin tone and leaves a lovely healthy glow. On seriously steamy days, I've been adding a light dusting of powder (to stop things looking so sweatyesque), using either my bareMinerals Original Foundation, which also offers a little extra coverage, or the Hourglass Ambient Light Powder In Diffused, which adds a little extra luminescence.

The product that’s been helping me to bronze believably is the Bourjois Bronzing Primer. I’ve had this product tucked away in my collection for quite some time and I can’t believe I hadn’t tried it sooner! Dubbed as a dupe for the Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base(primarily due to the fact it’s the only drugstore alternative), this bronzing mousse can be worn alone, under, or on top of your base. I like to buff a small amount onto the points of my face where the sun naturally hits (forehead, nose, cheeks and chin) after I’ve applied my bareMienrals Complexion Rescue. It warms up my complexion, smoothing over my skin and further helps to even out my skin tone.

Don’t be intimidated by the Stila Convertible Color Dual Lip & Cheek Creams they are b-e-a-u-tiful! I have the shade ‘Gerbera’ which is a very pigmented punchy peachy colour, but once applied looks ever so natural. So I don’t over apply the product (which is easily done) I like to I warm up the product on the back of my hand and then use my ring finger to tap the colour onto my cheeks upwards along the cheekbones. Due to its creamy texture, it blends beautifully and adds a little moisture, leaving a sheeny (dewy like) finish, without feeling sticky or tacky on the skin. It’s perfect at awakening and brightening my complexion and lasts incredibly well.

To optimise dewiness I like to add a highlighter to the tops of my cheekbones and to achieve this I’ve been wearing Benefit’s Watt’s Up! Soft Focus Highlighter. The champagne cream stick appeared way back here on BBA and is one of my all time favourite highlighters (besides the ridiculous sponge applicator). It applies smoothly onto the skin and the creaminess makes it effortless to blend with my fingers. Its finish is far glossier than the likes of a powder highlighter and it offers a gorgeous glow, that’s super flattering on the skin.